WAS-H Academy

Helping Students Build a Solid Foundation

Education Director - Cheryl Evans - Education@WatercolorHouston.org

Beginners Watercolor Academy (BWA)

The Beginners Watercolor Academy is a six-part workshop series designed to give aspiring artists a clear, hands-on introduction to watercolor painting. Taught by experienced WAS-H instructors, each full-day class focuses on one foundational topic.

You can take just one class—or join the full series for the complete experience.

Why Participate in Academy Workshops?

  • Structured beginner-friendly learning path

  • Expert instructors who make watercolor approachable

  • Hands-on exercises you can use at home

  • Standalone workshops with a cumulative option - 5 BWA Credits for Saturday workshops.

  • Take the Saturday Workshops or opt for weekly alternatives for each of the six Core Workshops.


What happens once I complete the beginning classes/workshops?

After completing 30 beginner class credits to include the six core topics, you’ll receive a certificate recognizing your completion of the WAS-H Beginners Watercolor Academy!

Academy Classes and Workshops

    • May 16, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 5
    Register



    THIS IS MAKE-UP CLASS.

    REGISTRATION REQUIRES

    A CODE. 


    AN EMAIL HAS BEEN SENT TO YOU WITH THE CODE TO REGISTER IF YOU ARE MAKING UP THIS CLASS.


    MAKE-UP CLASS:

    Bringing it all together!

    Carla Gauthier, Instructor

    Saturday, May 16 

    9:30 am- 3:30 pm

    This class is designed with beginners in mind, but all are welcome to join. Participants will also earn five credits toward our Beginners Watercolor Academy program.

    Refine your watercolor skills in this class -- tie everything together that you've learn in our core classes—drawing, composition, color, texture, and technique. With step-by-step guidance, you’ll plan, sketch, and complete a finished watercolor painting that reflects your personal style and vision.

    Photos can often feel overwhelming—so many shapes, colors, and textures—but any subject can be broken down into manageable steps. In this class, you'll learn how to analyze your reference photo and translate it into a clear, structured painting plan. Whether you're working with a landscape, floral, or portrait—and whether your style is abstract, impressionistic, or realistic—you’ll gain techniques that empower you to paint with confidence.

    We’ll focus on creating unified, harmonious compositions with strong focal points. A guided exercise will help reinforce these concepts, giving you tools you can take back to your studio practice.

    What to Bring:

    • Your usual watercolor supplies

    • Pencil and watercolor paper (about 11" x 15", or quarter sheet)

    • One or two reference photos you love but feel unsure how to approach

    If time allows, we’ll review your reference photos together and discuss strategies for turning them into successful paintings.

    Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.


    #houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston #watercoloracademy

    • May 21, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 14
    Register


    Watercolor Secrets and Basics 

    Linda Vanek, Instructor

    Thursday, May 21

    9:30 am - 3:00 pm

    Tuition $110 Regular / $90 Member 

    Get off to a great start in your painting adventure or come to refresh your painting skills!  Teacher demos will include instruction about paper and water control, painting techniques with flat & round brushes, mixing luminous color and how to avoid muddy color, and having a great time painting together! Individual time with each artist includes instruction based





    Click HERE is view the student supply list.




    Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.


    #houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston #watercoloracademy

    • May 28, 2026
    • 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
    • 1601 W. Alabama at Mandell, Houston, Texas 77006
    • 13
    Register


    Secrets of Mixing Amazing Colors

    Linda Vanek, Instructor

    Thursday, May 28

    9:30 am- 4:00 pm

    Tuition $110 Regular / $90 Members 


    Take the next exciting step into the secrets of mixing amazing colors! Discover why some color combinations make muddy color and how to avoid them! This color adventure will teach you which colors mix well to create beautiful bright colors, rich muted colors such as a variety of greens for landscapes, and restful neutral colors. Demos will include color mixing, painting techniques, and individual instruction for each artist based on their level of experience. Great for any artist with some color experience & those wanting to refresh color mixing skills and gain greater color knowledge.


    Click HERE is view the student supply list.




    Safety Alert: Individuals attending this activity should be aware that they require the ability to safely descend stairs in an emergency.


    #houstonartclass #artclasshouston #texasartclass #houstonartist #houston365 #365Houston #watercoloracademy

1601 West Alabama Houston TX 77006
Gallery: 713-942-9966
Questions? Email 
admin@watercolorhouston.org

HOURS: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 3 pm

©Watercolor Art Society - Houston. All images are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

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